The end of summer is both a blessing and a curse for most parents. On the one hand, the kids are back at school so aren’t underfoot all the time, on the other hand it means all new back to school gear – and the return of the dreaded school run.

It seems like every year brings a whole new set of costs, making the new school year second only to Christmas as the most expensive time for parents. In fact, a recent study from the Irish League of Credit Unions showed that while the average cost of sending children to school has dropped slightly compared to 2017, it’s still €999 per primary school child and €1,379 per child in secondary school!

Video Loading

Video Unavailable

Click to playTap to play

The video will start in 8Cancel

Play now

In case you’re looking at your budget and scratching your head about what’s put such a dent in your finances this month, here’s a look at how the costs pile up:

Extracurricular activities: Primary - €153, Secondary - €164

Playing football, taking ballet classes or learning a new language doesn’t come cheap.

Delicious AND nutritious (Image: Getty)

School lunches: Primary - €142, Secondary - €175

This is just the financial side and doesn’t take into account the effort that goes into actually making the lunches, nor the heartbreak of having them not eat anything. (Seriously, how do they manage that?)

Books: Primary – €122, Secondary - €200

And guess who gets to carry them on the way to and from school?

How much text would a text book book if a text book could book text? (Image: Getty)

Uniform/clothing: Primary - €128, Secondary - €179

Suddenly you realise why your mother got so annoyed at you for ripping holes in your school jumper…

Transport costs: Primary - €74, Secondary - €175

Whether you're driving or taking public transport, this can be a significant cost.

After-school care: Primary - €140, Secondary - €48

The scourge of all working parents!

Fees/Voluntary contribution: Primary - €94, Secondary - €172

Exactly how voluntary is this?

School trips: Primary - €75, Secondary - €159

You want them to see the world, but this is ridiculous.

Have fun cleaning that lot... (Image: Getty)

Gym gear: Primary - €71, Secondary - €107

Having to wash endless muddy jerseys only adds insult to injury…

It’s hardly surprising that over a third of parents are unable to cover the costs and end up taking on extra debt to pay for back to school essentials.

If you find that sending them back is bringing you to the brink of financial ruin – don’t despair! Talk to your local credit union about their fair and reasonable rates on flexible personal loans.

For more information on how you can become a member and make your savings work for you, visit creditunion.ie